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Sy, adopted son of Bacolod, says township at old airport SM’s biggest dev’t in city

Business tycoon Hans T. Sy, honorary mayor of Bacolod, (seated) with Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and his children Harvey and Hanna Carinna Sy (standing, l-r)  at the mayor’s office.*Ronnie Baldonado photo

Business tycoon Hans T. Sy announced on Thursday, Jan. 30, that SM’s biggest development in Bacolod City will be its township at the city’s old airport along Araneta Avenue.

The 20-hectare mixed use development will become an urban oasis, Sy, chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings Inc., said in his speech at the Bacoloadiat spring festival gala at the SMX Convention Center Thursday evening.

“It will have a new upscale shopping and lifestyle center, BPOs and other commercial projects that the business sector and the city will surely benefit from,” he said, “which reflects SM’s unwavering belief in Bacolod’s potential”.

Business tycoon Hans T. Sy at the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod session hall.*Ronnie Baldonado photos

Sy was officially conferred the titles of adopted son and honorary mayor Bacolod City by the Sangguniang Panlungsod led by Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran at its session hall on Thursday afternoon.

Sy was also welcomed by Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez to the his office where he assumed his post as honorary mayor for the 2025 Chinese New Year celebration as part of the Bacolaodiat Festival.

The Bacolaodiat Festival is one of the country’s biggest Chinese New Year celebrations.

Sy was accompanied by his children Harvey and Hanna Carinna.

The business tycoon, in his speech before the SP members, said “by making me part of your family, you inspire me to continue building projects that will form a legacy of innovation through collaboration”.

He has worked to support Bacolod’s growth, not just through business but also by contributing to programs that uplift the lives of its people through education, tourism, job generation and sustainability and disaster prevention programs, Sy said.

“I am deeply humbled to be conferred the titles of Adopted Son of Bacolod and Honorary Mayor of this beautiful city during the celebration of the 20th Bacolaodiat Festival,” he said.

He also reflected on the legacy of his late father, Henry Sy Sr., who was also named adopted son of Bacolod in 2017.

Sy said for 18 years since 2007, SM has invested in Bacolod.

In his speech at the spring festival gala, Sy also said one of the key initiatives SM is proud to support is the redevelopment of Manokan Country, known for its local and cultural significance.

“A revitalized Manokan Country will ensure that it remains a beacon for tourism and a source of economic progress for its community of tenants
who have made it a cherished part of Bacolod’s heritage,” he said.

The redevelopment is more than a structural upgrade, it is a step toward preserving Bacolod’s traditions while embracing its potential as a world-class city, he said.

Another pledge of SM’s commitment to Bacolod is the establishment of National University, the first Visayas-Mindanao campus of NU, which opened in August 2024, he said.

NU’s vision and mission is to provide accessible and high-quality education without the burden of prohibitive tuition fees, he said.

Sy said with the opening of NU in Bacolod, “we foresee a future workforce that contributes positively to the city’s prosperity and growth”.

He also cited SM’s development of its North Block building, which serves as both the campus for NU Bacolod, as well as providing modern facilities for BPOs.

SM Bacolod’s South Wing expansion will also have additional spaces for new experiences, such as a gamepark, new cinemas and national prestige brands, he added.

Benitez, who briefed Sy on Bacolod’s growth, said he is grateful for the expertise and insights the business tycoon can share to the city as its honorary mayor.

The Bacolod SP in its unanimous resolution passed on Dec. 4, 2024, declaring Sy Bacolod’s adopted son, said he “made exceptional contributions to economic development, business leadership, and philanthropy, serving as an enduring role model for community progress and innovation”.

“His leadership has not only driven growth in business and investment in Bacolod City, but has also reflected a profound commitment to social responsibility, family values, and civic engagement that resonate deeply with the ideals of our Chinese brethren,” the resolution read by Bacolod Councilor Em Ang at the conferment rites on Thursday further said.

Sy is also chairman of China Banking Corp. and the National University.*

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